Societal stratum is a term used to describe the hierarchical structure of a society, which is typically divided into different classes or castes. CLASS='font-bold underline-link hover:text-barberry-yellow'>CASTE is a term used to refer to a social group that is determined by birth and is usually hereditary, while CLASS is a term used to refer to a social group based on economic or educational status. Both CLASS='font-bold underline-link hover:text-barberry-yellow'>CASTE and CLASS are important components of societal stratification, which is the process of dividing a society into distinct social groups.